USA harnesses Solar Energy

by Joanna Wayne s. Horneja

POWER OF THE SUN. Newly-installed solar panels grace Dolce-Garcia Hall’s roofs.

USA Pub Photo • Rotsen Agreda

As agents for authentic, human, and societal development, the Office of the President approved by the University Board of Trustees (BoT) established a solar panel installation project at the USA Main Campus, June 2020.

This was made possible after University President Fr. Frederick Comendador, OSA, was granted the authority by the USA BoT last 2019 to sign a 20-year power purchase agreement that will provide 812 kW solar power to the University.

“There was a first attempt which was way back in 2014. There was another company who promised [setting] up solar panels on the buildings of the University Main Campus. So we did a signing of an agreement some time in December 2014. Unfortunately, it did not push through so the company was not able to fulfill its promise. Later on in 2019, there was another offer to us and this is now the successful one,” stated Comendador.

Cutting down the costs of electricity charges for the University, the newly-installed solar panels are located at seven buildings in the main campus, namely, Herrera Hall, Mentrida Hall, Rada Hall, Aguirre Hall, Gamboa Hall, Mendel Hall, and Urdaneta Hall.

“We identified certain buildings in the University where we can install solar panels and then in exchange once they have installed the solar panels, the University would be buying directly the power generated from the system based on the consumption that we have from the company. But the cost of the energy is very much lower than what we are paying outside. So there is already a fixed amount that we are paying, almost half than what we are paying outside,” explained Comendador in an interview with The Augustinian.

Now slashing expenses alloted for electricity, the University will reallocate these funds to infrastructure development, additional services, and improvements on the incentives and salaries of the University employees.

“Having solar panels installed would be highly beneficial to the University and to the environment. Not only is the University going to save money and electricity during this pandemic, but San Agustin would also be promoting a healthier environment by using clean and pure energy from the sun. As the minister for the Environment Advocacy, I’m really looking forward for this endeavor of theirs,” said USA Student Government Chairperson for Environmental Advocacy Ronald Dilla II.

In line with this, the University plans on the further development of the said project in the future, with the installation of more panels in the main campus and in the USA Sambag Extension Campus.